District Mot, 37-15 Broadway, Astoria
Type of cuisine: February
Open since: Vietnamese
Father-and-son team Michael and Lam Lien opened this Vietnamese eatery and cocktail bar last month with the aim of offering modern takes on classic dishes like pho, banh mi sandwiches and summer rolls. Popular dishes include the "Shaken Steak and Eggs" entree, the restaurant's take on Bo Luc Lac, or shaking beef, which features sirloin steak and eggs with tomatoes and red onions in a pepper lime sauce.
Le Coq Rico, 30 E. 20th St. between Park Avenue South and Broadway, Flatiron
Open since: March 9
Type of cuisine: French
Michelin star-winning Alsatian chef Antoine Westermann has arrived in New York with a menu full of chubby fowl and creative egg dishes.
The Pandering Pig, 209 Pinehurst Ave., off 187th St., Hudson Heights
Open since: February 26
Type of cuisine: French-inspired cuisine, mixed with Northern Californian flair
Owner and chef Nicole O’Brien said she’s combining the flavors of her upbringing in Northern California with her love for French foods to create what she calls a “fresh and delicious combination.”
O’Brien has lived in Washington Heights for 12 years and said she’s overjoyed to bring her passion and creativity to the neighborhood. The Pandering Pig has a turntable that’ll be soon playing some great vinyl, O’Brien said. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday noon to 10 p.m.
Little Lions, 40 Grand St., SoHo
Open since: February
Type of cuisine: Pastries, coffee and tea
SoHo’s new cat cafe offers a peaceful coffee shop on one side and a “cat sanctuary” on the other, where guests can pay an hourly rate to sit and hang out with the felines who are available for adopting through Best Friends Animal Society.
Little Lions has already gotten nine cats adopted in the span of just 10 days. The cafe is open seven days a week, plus there’s a new High Tea special available every Saturday and Sunday, where for $36 per person, visitors can get tea or coffee, two scones, one danish, three portions of tea sandwiches and a cat cookie. Reservations can be made online.
Beer Shop & Tasting Table, 422 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side
Open since: Late December
Type of cuisine: Craft beer and bar snacks
This cozy shop serves beer flights and boasts an inventive menu of rare brews. Patrons can also fill up growlers or check the refrigerators for beer to take home and enjoy.
Union Street Pub, 835 Franklin Ave., Crown Heights
Open since: February 29
Type of cuisine: Beer (and popcorn)
The Union Street Pub opened on Leap Day with more than a dozen craft beers on tap, and more available in bottles and cocktails. The new spot is long on drinks, but low on real meals, though they do have popcorn for customers and allow outside food, patrons tell us. However, if you need a good, hearty drinkable brunch, they have a $4 Bloody Mary and mimosa happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. every weekend.
Wasabi Sushi, 200 Broadway, inside Fulton Center, FiDi
Open since: March
Type of cuisine: Sushi, Bento boxes
Want your sushi grab-and-go style, individually wrapped, before you jump on the subway? Then is the spot for you. Wasabi, a British chain, is known for its huge variety — more than 50 types of rolls — that you can mix and match. It’s one of several shops to open inside the Fulton Center recently.
Tekoa, 264 Clinton St., Cobble Hill
Open since: March
Type of cuisine: Cafe and bakery
The team behind the critically-acclaimed restaurant La Vara has finally opened its much-anticipated new eatery in Cobble Hill. Tekoa, which hosted its soft opening last week, has taken over the former location of local favorite Ted & Honey. Tekoa serves hot and cold beverages as well as homemade pastries. Once it officially opens, breakfast and lunch options, like sandwiches and salads, will be available.